Moment of Silence: Friday, December 21, at 9:30am

Below is the text of an email I just sent to the folks at St. Augustine’s. I encourage you to honor the governor’s request as well.

Governor Kasich has asked that all government buildings and churches in OH, where possible, ring their bells 26 times tomorrow (Friday), December 21 at 9:30am in remembrance of those murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary last Friday.

Since St. Augustine’s obviously does not have a bell or bell tower, I have asked [one of our parishioners] to ring the bell we use to remember our saints departed tomorrow morning on behalf of our parish.

I am also asking you, if possible, to pause at that time and hold these individuals and their families, as well as their community (and ours) in your prayers. Below are the names of those who were murdered if you wish to remember and pray for each of them individually as well as collectively. Thank you for doing so.

If you do not know what to pray, use this prayer: Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.

The First Graders of Sandy Hook Elementary killed last Friday:
Charlotte Bacon, 6; Daniel Barden, 7; Olivia Engel, 6; Josephine Gay, who recently turned 7; Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 6; Dylan Hockley, 6; Madeleine F. Hsu, 6; Catherine V. Hubbard, 6; Chase Kowalski, 7; Jesse Lewis, 6; James Mattioli, 6; Grace McDonnell, who recently turned 7; Emilie Parker, 6; Jack Pinto, 6; Noah Pozner, 6; Caroline Previdi, 6; Jessica Rekos, 6; Avielle Richman, 6; Benjamin Wheeler, 6; Allison N. Wyatt, 6.

The Six Educators who were killed:
Teachers: Rachel Davino, 29; Anne Marie Murphy, 52; Lauren Rousseau, 30; Victoria Soto, 27; their School Psychologist, Mary Sherlach, 56; and their School Principal, Dawn Hochsprung, 47.